Although Alabama is home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, many in the state lack the education needed for the latest jobs in technology and science. The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce projects that by 2018, 55 percent of Alabama jobs will require training beyond high school. However, the Census Bureau found that only 32 percent of working-age adults in the state had an associate degree or higher in 2008. Fortunately, online schools in Alabama offer one option for residents seeking to improve their education and job prospects.
Business services boost Alabama economy
Like other states, Alabama has had to contend with high unemployment and declining revenues as part of the recent recession. Despite losing 42,000 jobs from March 2009 to March 2010, the economy shows signs of recovery. According to the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Alabama, 10,400 non-farm jobs were added in the year since March 2010. The largest number of new jobs came from the professional and business services sector.
The center also reports that job growth was concentrated in business support services. Other areas of growth include health care and social assistance and accommodation and food services. Employment is forecasted to increase 1.8 percent in the upcoming year.
Possible benefits of Alabama Online Degree Programs
Although Alabama is home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, many in the state lack the education needed for the latest jobs in technology and science. The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce projects that by 2018, 55 percent of Alabama jobs will require training beyond high school. However, the Census Bureau found that only 32 percent of working-age adults in the state had an associate degree or higher in 2008. Fortunately, online schools in Alabama offer one option for residents seeking to improve their education and job prospects.
Business services boost Alabama economy
Like other states, Alabama has had to contend with high unemployment and declining revenues as part of the recent recession. Despite losing 42,000 jobs from March 2009 to March 2010, the economy shows signs of recovery. According to the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Alabama, 10,400 non-farm jobs were added in the year since March 2010. The largest number of new jobs came from the professional and business services sector.
The center also reports that job growth was concentrated in business support services. Other areas of growth include health care and social assistance and accommodation and food services. Employment is forecasted to increase 1.8 percent in the upcoming year.
Possible benefits of Alabama Online Degree Programs
Poverty is a sad reality for many Alabama families. The Alabama Poverty Project says the state is the sixth poorest in the nation, with 17.5 percent of all residents living in poverty. While the reasons for poverty are many, the project asserts that a college degree is the fastest way for individuals to move out of poverty and into the middle class.
Traditional college degree programs may be out of reach for individuals who need to work in order to pay the bills. On the other hand, an Alabama online degree allows individuals to create course schedules that are flexible and accommodate both work and family obligations. Online colleges in Alabama may also be a good choice for individuals who live far from college campuses but have access to a computer, either at home or at a local library.
Alabama in-demand careers
While professional and business services is a growth industry in the state, there are careers across a variety of fields that offer excellent prospects for job seekers. The Alabama Department of Industrial Relations estimates the following jobs will be in-demand from 2008-2018. Salary information is based upon 2009 data.
- Computer systems analysts: 22.8 percent projected job growth and mean annual wages of $71,560. Education required: Bachelor's degree in computer science
- Dental hygienists: 27 percent projected job growth and mean annual wages of $42,970. Education required: Associate degree in dental hygiene
- Construction managers: 14.2 percent projected job and mean annual wages of $75,140. Education required: Bachelor's degree in construction management
An Alabama online degree can be the first step toward a rewarding career path. As the state's economy begins to move forward, Alabama online schools provide an avenue for state residents to be prepared for the careers of tomorrow.
